Senior Researcher, International Development (Part-Time)

American Institutes for Research; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 84,000 - 88,000; Part time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research seeks a part-time Senior Researcher to support its International Development program. The role provides leadership across research, evaluation, and implementation projects for low- and middle-income countries, guiding complex studies for diverse funders.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in applied research, implementation science, and project management, with a track record of translating findings into policy and practice. Remote work within the U.S.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with substantial relevant experience in social science research.
• Firm understanding of implementation science.
• Ability to plan work with timelines and manage projects.
• Experience in contract research or evaluation organizations.
• Experience with qualitative/quantitative data collection and analysis (Stata, R, Excel, NVivo).
• Experience leading project teams and building client relationships.
• Experience with business development and proposal writing.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day project operations as principal investigator, project director, or task lead.
• Lead collaborative teams by developing timelines and coordinating staff to deliver on time, within budget.
• Identify research problems and design studies to address key questions in applied research.
• Apply subject-matter expertise to design and implement relevant research projects.
• Develop study designs with aligned questions, methodologies, and analytic plans.
• Lead and contribute to proposals for federal, state, foundations and other clients.
• Devise and implement innovative solutions to practical challenges in applied research.
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts.
• Oversee the design and planning of data collection tools (interviews, guides, surveys).
• Supervise field-based data collection activities (interviews, observations, focus groups).
• Conduct or oversee data analysis using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Communicate study progress and findings clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, briefs, visualizations interpreting research findings.
• Manage client and partner relationships with professionalism and strategic insight.
• Contribute thoughtfully to project teams.

Skills

Organizational skills

Client management

Presentation skills

Facilitation

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in Sociology/Policy/International Development

Master's +7+ years experience

Tools

Stata

R

Excel

NVivo

Job description

AIR is seeking a part-time Senior Researcher to support our International Development program. This position provides leadership and technical expertise across research, evaluation, and implementation projects focused on improving outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. The Senior Researcher will contribute to the design, management, and execution of complex studies and technical assistance engagements for a range of clients and funders, including U.S. government agencies, foundations, multilateral organizations, and international partners.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in applied research and evaluation, implementation science, project management, and international development. This role requires the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage client relationships, develop proposals, and translate research findings into actionable insights that inform policy and practice. The Senior Researcher will collaborate with colleagues across AIR to advance evidence-based solutions that strengthen systems, improve program effectiveness, and promote sustainable development outcomes globally.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Manage day-to-day project operations in roles such as principal investigator, project director, or task lead.
• Lead collaborative project teams by developing timelines, coordinating staff assignments, and ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Identify research problems and design studies to address key questions in applied research contexts.
• Apply subject-matter expertise to design and implement relevant, responsive, and impactful research projects.
• Develop study designs with aligned research questions, methodologies, and analytic plans.
• Lead and contribute to research proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients.
• Devise and implement innovative solutions to practical challenges in applied research.
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts.
• Oversee the design and planning of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection tools, such as interview protocols, focus group guides, and surveys.
• Supervise field-based data collection activities, including interviews, observations, focus groups, and document reviews.
• Conduct or oversee data analysis using appropriate tools and techniques for various data types.
• Communicate study progress and findings clearly and effectively.
• Prepare reports, briefs, visualizations, and other materials that interpret and present research findings for clients and stakeholders.
• Manage client, partner, and stakeholder relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and representing AIR with professionalism and awareness of the broader policy and practice landscape.
• Contribute thoughtfully and creatively to project teams.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• PhD in Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Firm understanding of implementation science.
• Ability to take big ideas and develop work plans and timelines.
• Experience at contract research and/or evaluation organization(s).
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methodologies, including interviews, observations, and survey research, as well as data analysis using tools such as Stata, R, Excel, NVivo, or similar software.
• Experience managing project and/or task teams on research and evaluation projects.
• Experience building and maintaining client and partner relationships.
• Experience with business pursuit (e.g., grant and proposal writing).

Skills

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including strong communication skills with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings.
• Strong negotiator and communicator, with excellent client management skills.
• Strong presentation, professional development delivery, and facilitation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.
• Can collaborate effectively in a virtual work environment.

Disclosures: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 202.403.5000.

AIR's Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

Anticipated Hourly Rate Range

$61—$64 USD